quite ordinary

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite ordinary" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is common or unremarkable. For example, you could say, "That outfit is quite ordinary, nothing special about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Tastes quite ordinary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Such as?" "Oh, quite ordinary things.

Independent

Her life with Righton seems quite ordinary.

The Guardian - Film

She was quite ordinary after all.

The Guardian - Books

But that would have been quite ordinary.

The New York Times

The entrance to the woods looked quite ordinary and unthreatening.

The New Yorker

It turns out to be a quite ordinary place.

The New Yorker

I know that my achievement is quite ordinary.

The New Yorker

I'm quite ordinary like that, but my determination is good.

The Guardian

He has a calm, gentle voice, quite ordinary.

The Guardian - Books

Britain's only legal dope dealer looks quite ordinary.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite ordinary" to subtly downplay expectations or to create a contrast with something extraordinary. For example, 'Despite the hype, the experience was quite ordinary.'

Common error

While "quite ordinary" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "commonplace" or "unremarkable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite ordinary" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun. It typically serves to describe something as being common, unremarkable, or lacking in exceptional qualities. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

General

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite ordinary" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English. It functions as an adjectival phrase to denote something as common or unremarkable, serving to manage expectations or provide a realistic assessment. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. Its prevalence across diverse sources, from news media to literature, indicates its versatility. When aiming for a more sophisticated tone, consider alternatives like "commonplace" or "unremarkable". Overall, "quite ordinary" is a reliable choice for expressing a lack of distinction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly typical

Indicates a moderate degree of typicality, similar to "quite ordinary" but with a slightly different emphasis.

completely unremarkable

Emphasizes the absence of noteworthy qualities, making it a stronger statement than "quite ordinary".

entirely commonplace

Highlights the commonness and lack of uniqueness, similar to "quite ordinary" but more formal.

nothing special

Directly states the lack of exceptional qualities, a more informal and straightforward alternative.

perfectly normal

Focuses on adherence to the norm, implying an absence of deviation or distinction.

rather pedestrian

Suggests a lack of imagination or excitement, adding a slightly negative connotation.

plain vanilla

An idiomatic expression indicating a lack of embellishment or complexity, more informal.

run-of-the-mill

Implies being average and unexceptional, similar in tone to "quite ordinary".

standard fare

Suggests conformity to a typical or expected pattern, particularly in the context of offerings or experiences.

garden-variety

Indicates commonness and lack of special qualities, similar in meaning to "quite ordinary".

FAQs

How can I use "quite ordinary" in a sentence?

You can use "quite ordinary" to describe something that is common or unremarkable. For example, "The restaurant was "quite ordinary", nothing special about it."

What can I say instead of "quite ordinary"?

You can use alternatives like "fairly typical", "completely unremarkable", or "entirely commonplace" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "rather ordinary" instead of "quite ordinary"?

Yes, "rather ordinary" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. The choice between "quite" and "rather" often comes down to personal preference or subtle nuances in meaning.

What is the difference between "ordinary" and "quite ordinary"?

Adding "quite" intensifies the ordinariness, suggesting that something is noticeably or particularly unremarkable. It adds a degree of emphasis that "ordinary" alone might lack.